Patterns of red blood cell use in southeastern Wisconsin.

We conducted a retrospective study of red blood cell use in southeastern Wisconsin to characterize transfusion practices and provide data for designing educational programs. Charts of 533 patients who received 3,006 units of blood at ten hospitals were reviewed. Demographic, diagnostic, surgical, and laboratory data and indications for transfusion were obtained. Mean blood use per patient (U/pt) was 5.6, 7.2, and 4.1 units for all patients, surgical and non-surgical, respectively. Fifty percent of the patients underwent surgery, used 64% of the blood, and required more postoperatively (4.2 U/pt) than intraoperatively (2.8 U/pt). Open-heart surgeries required 32% of all blood. Eighty-two percent of postoperative transfusions occurred when the hematocrit was less than or equal to 30%. Only 2.8% of eligible elective surgery patients made pre-deposit autologous donations and contributed 1% of the total blood used.